Gardaí said the houses were broken into between 8pm and 10pm and that investigations are ongoing.

It is understood some trophies from Lowry's early golfing years were stolen.

A replica Sam Maguire cup presented to Shane's father Brendan Lowry to mark the 25th anniversary of Offaly's 1982 All Ireland footballing victory over Kerry is also believed to have been taken.

Shane Lowry spoke out about the break-in on Twitter: “So pissed off to hear the news of my parents house being ransacked last night. There are really some horrible scumbags in this world.”

A later tweet read: “I’m just relieved that no one was in the house when the house was broken into and that all my family are safe and unhurt.”

Mr Cowen, the younger brother of former taoiseach Brian Cowen, was meeting flood-affected farmers in Lusmagh and Banagher in Co Offaly when the break-in occurred. It is unclear whether anything was stolen.

No other houses are believed to have been targeted in Clara last night.